'It devalues what you do, it really makes you feel crummy'

There are everyday people whose lives are changing as a result of the state’s budget problems. We’re collecting stories of people Caught in the Middle.

Robin Manus goes to the homes of young children with physical or developmental disabilities and helps them learn basic skills. She’s been doing her job for months without pay from the state of Illinois.

She has a contract with the state through an early intervention program, but it won’t cut her a check until there’s a budget. In the meantime the state told her to keep working and so far she has.